NEW BEDFORD, MA — A New Bedford police officer is under investigation after allegations that she used Flock Safety license-plate cameras to monitor her ex-girlfriend’s movements. The claims surfaced in a signed affidavit from the former partner, according to reporting from the New Bedford Light.
The woman said the contact began after their two-year relationship ended in April, when she started getting repeated calls and texts. She also alleged that the officer showed up at her home, would not leave when asked, and watched her arrive while on duty.
Affidavit says the officer made repeated contact and used fake numbers
The ex-girlfriend’s affidavit identifies the officer as Emily Pacheco and says the harassment escalated after the breakup. The woman wrote that Pacheco used fake phone numbers to keep calling and texting her.
She also alleged that Pacheco came to her home unannounced and refused to leave, then encountered her while she was pulling into her driveway. Those claims were part of the filing that led to further scrutiny of the officer’s conduct.
Flock data shows searches surged from April to June
Data reviewed by the New Bedford Light showed Pacheco was among the city’s heaviest users of the Flock system this year. She most often listed “traffic infraction” as the reason for her searches, though the volume increased sharply over time.
She reportedly made 18 searches in April, the month of the breakup, then 259 in May and 220 in June. The affidavit also alleges that she ran her ex-girlfriend’s license plate through the system to track her.
Judge ordered firearms surrendered as police paused Flock access
A judge served Pacheco with an abuse prevention order last week and found she posed a credible threat to her ex-girlfriend’s safety. The order required her to surrender all firearms, and her license to carry was suspended.
Pacheco is also facing an internal affairs investigation. Police did not say why she is being investigated, but the department said it temporarily suspended officers’ use of the Flock system after opening the probe.
Privacy concerns around Flock cameras have grown nationwide
Flock cameras automatically scan every passing license plate, and the technology has drawn criticism over how broadly the data can be used and shared. Critics have argued that the system can be misused for personal surveillance, including by law enforcement officers.
In a memo required for New Bedford officers, improper use could trigger criminal prosecution, civil liability, and immediate loss of access. An ACLU of Massachusetts lawyer told the Light that the system gives police unprecedented tracking power and that misuse allegations show the need for stronger oversight.
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